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Film / Video Review
Denis A. Charles: An Interrupted Conversation


By Javier Antonio Quinones Ortiz

Free jazz drummer Denis A. Charles is memorialized through this film production honoring a West Indies born and New York bred musician whose chaotic life was invested on the fringes of sanity and creativity. Charles' life would've been a dream come true for researchers such as Key Redfield Jamison. Unfortunately, just about when Charles got his act together, he passed away.

The film, which is yet another chapter in the extensive French documentation of sundry jazz forms and figures, relies heavily on verbal story-telling by various friends, musicians, associates, and lovers of Charles. Of course, the subject of the film also has plenty of airtime. Unlike the former supporting cast, there's very little victimary discourse coming from Charles himself. When it comes to socio political commentary, most musicians do better making their points, their validity notwithstanding, playing their respective instruments.

Ironically, the weakest front of the film is musical as Charles actual and alleged prowess as a drummer is not given enough opportunity to shine through in filmed clips. Most of the ones included can't be considered paramount examples of drumming, unlike a lot of his recorded legacy. Given the fact that Charles obviously touched many important people, within and beyond musical confines, it is high time, nonetheless, to rehear what this troubled-yet-gentle fellow "Caribbeaner" had to say with his drumming. This film certainly helps along in that regard.

Producer/Director Véronique N. Doumbé
Ndolo Films
(212) 228-4254
vero@ndolofilms.com


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